It’s been more than 20 years since Evanston police Commander Scott Sophier was a frequent presence on the Oakton College campus in Des Plaines, but the college did not forget him.

On Sept. 11, Oakton, which was called Oakton Community College when Sophier, of Skokie, attended, presented him and three others with a 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award.

“It felt really great,” Sophier said of receiving the award. “It’s great to see things come full circle and celebrate the accomplishments of other professionals in this space in this area.”

Sophier, who received his associate’s degree from Oakton in 2004, said, “I believe the role of police officer has changed a lot since I have grown older and matured.”

A 22-year veteran of the Evanston police, Sophier is known for community-focused policing,

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